Tag Archives: wordplay

Ahoy. Ahem. Ahoy! (You:) Ahoy. There we go. Thanks for playing. I always like to begin conversations with potential friends by doing something just a little different. And that is me. Just a little different. (You:) You’re not blogging from … Continue reading →

As I sit writing this book, Cats play in the yard Right under my window. Often they seem to jump and Spin, and when they Think no one’s looking, they Inch their way up the bird feeder, Causing all kinds … Continue reading →

In Richard Sheridan’s 1775 play The Rivals, a character named Mrs. Malaprop often uses a comically incorrect word in place of a word with a similar sound, hence the word malaprop. Here are a couple of contemporary examples: “Alien visitors … Continue reading →

Oxymorons (not a bunch of stupid cattle) are words used together that contradict each other. Most oxymorons are simply used to dramatize parts of speech, and we don’t even stop to think about what the words themselves really mean. But … Continue reading →

A paradox (not two surgeons!) is a contradictory statement. Listen for examples of word paradoxes and write them down. Share them with friends via email, and maybe they’ll return the favor by sending some to you. Here’s a couple more … Continue reading →

I happen to love Tom Swifties and Sarah Swifties, mostly because the pun comes at the very end of the joke, so the unsuspecting tester of your joke is left with an odd look on his or her face (until … Continue reading →

So, how curious are your students? If you pose a question to them, can they (will they) try to one-up you? If so, don’t take offense. Rather see it as a teaching/learning opportunity. Send that student on a lone assignment … Continue reading →

You grab your groceries, pocket your keys, and head for the larder, but your car still has something to say! Tink, tunk, donk, whatever. So, what exactly do we call those noises? Time to put on your thinking hubcap. 1st … Continue reading →